Apple collaborates with Amazon-backed Anthropic to create a next-gen AI assistant for Xcode, aiming to revolutionize how developers write, edit, and test code through an intuitive “vibe-coding” experience.
Apple has made a bold move that signals a deeper push into generative AI. It is teaming up with Anthropic, the AI startup backed by Amazon, to develop a next-generation coding assistant designed to transform the way developers build software on macOS and iOS platforms.
The tool, quietly in development behind Apple’s walls, is being described as a “vibe-coding” platform — a fresh term in the developer world that reflects a more intuitive, collaborative programming experience guided by artificial intelligence. Unlike traditional code editors, this AI-powered upgrade to Xcode will be capable of generating, editing, and testing code with minimal human intervention, streamlining the development cycle from start to finish.
At the heart of this project lies Claude Sonnet, the powerful language model created by Anthropic. Known for its nuanced understanding and natural coding fluency, Claude Sonnet will serve as the engine behind Apple’s reimagined development environment. While Apple has yet to make any formal announcement, sources close to the matter say the tool is being tested internally, with no firm timeline on a public rollout.
This is not Apple’s first flirtation with AI-assisted development. The company had previously introduced Swift Assist, an AI-based tool announced in 2024. However, it was shelved before release following internal feedback that it could actually slow down some aspects of the app-building process. The new platform with Anthropic appears to be a far more ambitious reboot of that earlier concept.
The emergence of “vibe coding” — where AI takes on a co-pilot role in both the creative and technical aspects of software development — aligns with growing interest across the tech industry in making programming faster, easier, and more accessible. Apple’s move mirrors similar strategies from competitors, including OpenAI’s rumored acquisition of Windsurf, another AI-assisted coding platform, reportedly valued at $3 billion.
Apple’s growing partnership network in the AI space also reflects a broader shift in strategy. While the company has long favored in-house innovation, it is now increasingly open to outside collaborations. From integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT to possibly bringing in Google’s Gemini as a future alternative, Apple seems committed to delivering smarter, more capable features across its ecosystem.
As developers await official word, one thing is clear: Apple’s approach to coding is evolving, and AI, particularly in the form of Claude Sonnet, is poised to play a starring role in the next chapter of app development on Apple’s platforms.
